Because of the royal family's gracious invitation, Fairy Tail's trip to Mermaid Bay was temporarily postponed.
The girls, however, didn't feel the least bit disappointed.
After all, being invited by the royal family meant there was a high chance they might meet the mysterious Mermaid Princess herself.
"President Sugisawa Yuuto, members of Fairy Tail, please board the gondola!"
"We'll assign special guards to protect your ship — you have our word, nothing will happen to it!"
The Left and Right Ministers — the catfish mermaid and the seahorse mermaid — both spoke respectfully.
"No need for that," Yuuto said with a wave of his hand.
The Fairy Tail instantly switched into flight mode, rising into the air before the astonished eyes of King Neptune and his entourage.
"King Neptune, lead the way!"
Yuuto's calm voice snapped Neptune and the others from their shock.
They exchanged glances — and in each other's eyes, saw both disbelief and hope.
If Fairy Tail truly was as powerful as the legends claimed…
Then perhaps, they might finally resolve the curse that had haunted Fish-Man Island for so many years.
"President Sugisawa Yuuto, please — Gamon!"
Riding atop the whale Hoai, King Neptune led the way.
Behind him, the royal gondolas followed in an elegant procession.
Such a grand display didn't just catch the attention of the port.
Even citizens in distant districts of Fish-Man Island looked up in awe.
"Look! That's King Neptune — and the princes too!"
"What's that ship in the middle? How can it fly without bubble support?!"
"Wait… that symbol—!"
"That's the emblem of Fairy Tail!"
"It's the Fifth Sea Emperor — Sugisawa Yuuto and his Fairy Tail Guild!"
"Fish-Man Island is really hosting that man?!"
"Everyone, keep your heads down! Once the coating on our ship's done, we're getting out of here!"
The news spread across the island like a tidal wave.
The arrival of Fairy Tail was not only an event — it was a deterrent.
The name of Sugisawa Yuuto had already shaken the seas.
Wherever Fairy Tail went, pirates stayed quiet.
As long as Yuuto remained on Fish-Man Island, no one dared make a move.
He was, after all… one of the Emperors of the Sea.
Within fifteen minutes, the gondolas reached their destination.
Dragon Palace City
"Whoa~~!"
Looking at the massive, ornate palace floating in the shimmering water, the Fairy Tail girls couldn't contain their awe.
"President Sugisawa Yuuto, we've arrived~ Gamon~," King Neptune said cheerfully, waving his fin.
The grand gates of Dragon Palace City swung open.
A radiant welcome awaited them — glowing pearls illuminated the palace halls in soft brilliance.
Fairy Tail's ship docked at a private royal port.
Huge manta rays glided gracefully over, ferrying Yuuto and his companions to the banquet hall.
Along the way, the girls were all smiles, their eyes filled with wonder.
Every coral archway, every school of colorful fish, every flowing current seemed magical.
Soon, they arrived at the banquet hall.
Tables overflowed with fine wines, exotic dishes, and rare sea fruits.
As Neptune and his sons returned, the feast began.
On stage, young mermaids danced gracefully to the sound of harps and seashell flutes.
Even the famous mermaid musician Maria Napoleon performed — the same woman who would one day inspire Uta, the world's greatest singer.
Three rounds of drinks later, the laughter flowed freely.
Hosts and guests alike were in high spirits.
Just then—
"Boss!"
"Boss is here!"
"Boss Jinbei has arrived!"
The soldiers guarding the banquet hall shouted excitedly.
Moments later, Shichibukai Jinbei, the Knight of the Sea, strode into the hall.
"Jinbei! You made it!" Shark Star, the eldest prince, greeted him warmly.
After a few polite words, Jinbei walked toward the large ray where Fairy Tail sat.
"Shichibukai Jinbei, what brings you here?" Robin asked calmly.
"Shichibukai?!"
At that word, the Fairy Tail girls — who had been a little drunk — instantly sobered up.
Especially Vivi, who had a personal grudge against the Shichibukai system.
"President Sugisawa Yuuto, everyone, please don't misunderstand," Neptune said quickly.
"Jinbei has no ill intent. He's only here to pay his respects."
Jinbei bowed his head respectfully.
"I've heard countless tales of Fairy Tail and President Sugisawa Yuuto. To finally meet you in person… it's an honor."
"Jinbei of the Sea," Robin murmured, "a man worthy of his title. His reputation under the sea is truly well-deserved."
Hearing that, Vivi and the others relaxed slightly.
"I'm not interested in politics," Nami said suddenly. "King Neptune, what about your mermaid princess? Can we meet her?"
The moment she mentioned the princess, every girl — Mira, Vivi, Wendy — perked up eagerly.
The princes exchanged uneasy glances.
Their hesitation was clear.
"Bring Shirahoshi here," King Neptune said finally. "This is exactly what we hoped to discuss with President Sugisawa Yuuto."
"Yes, Father!" Shark Star left at once.
"Commission?" Erza asked seriously. "Is this request related to the princess?"
Robin nodded. "And perhaps the reason she hasn't appeared in public for years?"
"You're right," Neptune sighed. "It's all because of that man… that wretch, Vander Decken."
The moment he spoke the name, Dragon Star and Crash Star clenched their fists in rage.
Erza and the others exchanged glances but didn't press further.
They would know soon enough.
The Mermaid Princess Appears
Before long—
"Father… are you sure it's okay for me to come out? If Lord Vander Decken throws his axe again, I-I might… die!"
A timid, trembling voice echoed from the doorway.
"It's all right, Shirahoshi," Shark Star said gently, guiding his frightened sister forward. "President Sugisawa Yuuto will protect you."
"Waaah~!"
As the delicate girl entered the hall, everyone froze.
The mermaid before them was breathtaking — her beauty radiated innocence and charm.
"The legendary Mermaid Princess…"
"She's so adorable!"
"She's huge! But so cute!"
"That tail could fit an entire bed!"
The Fairy Tail girls squealed in delight, their eyes sparkling.
But Shirahoshi, overwhelmed by so many strangers, began to panic.
"B-big brother, I want to go back! I can't do this!"
"Shirahoshi!" Shark Star quickly held her hand.
"Don't be scared," he soothed her. "Father's here, Jinbei's here — and look, President Sugisawa Yuuto is a kind big brother, and these ladies are all nice big sisters."
Shirahoshi blinked, her fear slowly easing.
"There, that's better," Shark Star smiled. "Now, come greet our guests."
"Shirahoshi, say hello to President Sugisawa Yuuto," Neptune encouraged.
"G-good morning, Lord Yuuto!" she stammered softly.
"Shirahoshi-chan, it's already noon," Nami teased gently.
"Oh! Really?" Shirahoshi blinked, flustered — her innocence making everyone melt.
Before long, the Fairy Tail girls were laughing and chatting happily with her.
The Royal Request
"Now, King Neptune," Yuuto said calmly, "let's talk about your request."
Robin spoke up first. "You mentioned Vander Decken. Is he the one behind Shirahoshi's confinement?"
"That's right," Neptune said gravely.
He recounted everything — Vander Decken's twisted obsession, Shirahoshi's seven years trapped in the Hard Shell Tower, her life lived in constant fear.
"What?!"
"Unforgivable!"
"That pervert deserves to be crushed!"
"How could anyone torment someone so sweet!"
The Fairy Tail girls were furious. Their affection for Shirahoshi only fueled their outrage.
"King Neptune," Mirajane asked, "you're the ruler of Fish-Man Island. Why let such a criminal roam free?"
Neptune sighed bitterly. "It's not that we didn't try. It's that… the sea is too vast."
"Eight years ago," Shark Star explained, "when Vander Decken first attacked Shirahoshi, we launched a manhunt across the island. But he'd already fled to the open sea."
"I pursued him myself," Jinbei added, shaking his head. "I was close once… but he slipped away. The ocean hides too many shadows."
"It's okay, big brother," Shirahoshi whispered softly, trying to smile. Her innocence made her plight even more heartbreaking.
Vivi frowned. "Wait. If Vander Decken isn't even near the island, how can he keep harassing her?"
"That's his cursed ability," Shark Star said grimly. "The Target-Target Fruit. Once he marks someone, his attacks will always find their way to them."
Robin's eyes narrowed. "A Paramecia-type fruit… dangerous indeed."
The room fell silent for a moment.
The sea was vast. Finding one man in its depths was nearly impossible.
"President Sugisawa Yuuto," Mirajane asked softly, "what do you think?"
All eyes turned to him. Neptune, Jinbei, and the princes waited anxiously.
After a pause, Yuuto smiled.
"All right," he said. "I'll take your request."
The entire hall seemed to brighten.
"President, do you already have a plan?"
"As expected of you!"
"How are you going to catch that creep?" the girls asked eagerly.
Yuuto's grin widened. "Simple. If we can't find him… we'll make him come to us."
He turned toward Neptune.
"King Neptune — spread the word across the island. Announce that Princess Shirahoshi… is about to get married."
"Eh?!"
"Huh?!"
The entire hall froze in disbelief.
...
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